Welcome to Fishtown
A hip, lively community with a small-town feel surrounded by big-city amenities and experiences.
Photo courtesy of visitphilly.com
The “Hottest New Neighborhood in America” according to Forbes magazine (2018), Fishtown actually isn’t all that new. Its location along the Delaware River proved ideal for fishing and shipbuilding to the neighborhood’s early German and Dutch settlers in the 18th Century (hence the name). But today, Fishtown’s revival is thanks to its burgeoning arts, culture, food, and entertainment scenes making it the crown jewel of Philadelphia’s Riverwards collection of neighborhoods.
Fishtown remains home to a large working-class population in addition to young newcomers to the neighborhood. Together, all its residents and businesses have preserved an authentic, small-town vibe. It’s one of the city’s oldest, most historic neighborhoods, with a diverse collection of restaurants, bars, and businesses that reflect the neighborhood’s past and present. History buffs enjoy the neighborhood’s abundance of historic buildings and sites. Those who like a walkable social neighborhood will love its plethora of award-winner restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. It’s hard to imagine a busier intersection on a Saturday night in Philadelphia than Fishtown’s crossroads of Frankford and Girard Avenues.
What to Love
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A small-town feel and lively community
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Hip and trendy area with lots to do
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Walkable and bike-friendly open spaces
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Hotbed for Philadelphia music venues
Local Lifestyle
In Fishtown, all the locals know where to find the best dive bar, the best pizza, and the best coffee. Many restaurants and shops are walkable, and the neighborhood’s parks and open spaces afford residents the ability to bike and get around town. The Fishtown community has a distinct, quiet way of life. The small businesses that make up the community are a big part of the area’s identity, and residents tend to be proud of their neighborhood. Fishtown is a hip, lively community with many restaurants and bars open late.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The best shopping in Fishtown is a short walk or bike ride away. Italian-inspired boutiques and couture clothing stores are easy to find, as are some of Philadelphia's best home décor, antiques, and gift shops. For instance, visit Frankford Avenue, which runs through the heart of the neighborhood. The street is lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, many of which local artists own. Frankford Avenue also has several popular restaurants and cafés, including a few local favorites.
In addition to shopping, Fishtown has a number of dining options, with everything from casual diners to high-end restaurants. La Colombe Coffee Roasters is a hip café that serves pastries, light foods, and artisanal coffee. Suraya is an award-winning market, restaurant, and garden with beautiful outdoor seating and a chic dining area that serves coffee, cocktails, sandwiches, pastries, and more. Wm. Mulherin’s Sons is a popular wood-fired Italian restaurant in a casual and sophisticated dining area.
Regarding entertainment and nightlife, Fishtown has Philadelphia’s highest concentration of music venues. The Fillmore Philadelphia is an iconic 25,000-square-foot venue less than three miles from the Convention Center in Fishtown. The venue hosts diverse music events and has a club with a bar and a private stage. The Foundry is a VIP space within the Fillmore. Kung Fu Necktie and Johnny Brenda’s also are great venues with stacked lineups.
Things to Do
One of the best ways to experience Fishtown is on foot. The neighborhood is small enough to explore on foot or bike, and many residents scour the town and find new experiences. The Barbary is a popular nightclub where residents enjoy dancing, DJs, and live bands.
The Fishtown FestivALE is the largest street celebration in the community spanning more than six blocks. The festival has food, drinks, vendors, shops, music, and more. Penn Treaty Park is on the bank of the Delaware River and is a place for dog walking, biking, and picnics.
Schools
The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth largest public school district in the United States, serving more than 200,000 students.
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Alexander Adaire School
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Penn Treaty High School
